Building construction



Aug. 12, 1969 N. A. FAERBER A 3,460,307

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Original Filed Nov. 14, 1963 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. FIG. 2.

o E o o I o o r, 0 0 H0 0 0 0 o d o o o o Z :jlc ,0 o-,/ 2| 0 o l \M I o v j 200 I AF 2O 0 5 22 1 06%; I i, a l l o O 2 a l O u 2 o 0 o o 4% i 0 I c o o o in o FIG. 3

,4) 0 "O 0 0 F O 24 '0 I o 29 INVENTOR Nelson A. Foerber m. Y 55 (3M ATTORNEY Aug. 12, 1969 N. A. FAERBER BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Nov. 14

FIG. 7.

/20c so 36 50 INVENTOR Nelson A. Faerber ATTORNEY Aug. 12, 1969 N. A. FAERBER BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Ill/Ill III I II Original Filed Nov. 14,

FIG. :0. Z 20 Z\\\\\\\\ iQ so S 6 3\g s3 2| so 50 k 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG. H.

III

FIG. v I4.

INVENT OR Nelson A. Faerber MBQQ ATTORNEY 3,460,307 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Nelson A. Faerber, 1531 llxora Drive, Naples, Fla. 33941! Original application Nov. 14, 1963, Ser. No. 323,698, new Patent No. 3,312,019. Divided and this application Dec. 6, 1966, Ser. No. 615,281

lint. Cl. 1204b 1/38 US. Cl. 52-741 2 Claims ABSCT OF THE DISCLGiURE This application comprises a division of my application Ser. No. 323,698 filed Nov. 14, 1963, on which Patent No. 3,312,019 issued Apr. 4, 1967.

This invention relates to building construction and has particular applicability to detention buildings such as jails, prisons, cell blocks, penitentiaries, asylums, and similar building structures wherein the detention of prisoners or inmates is required.

A primary object of this invention resides in the provision of a method of and modular equipment for the construction of such detention buildings, to effect a material saving in time, labor, material and cost in the construction of such buildings.

As conducive to a clearer understanding of this invention, it may here be pointed out that the facilities for the detention of prisoners from cell blocks to penitentiaries have hitherto been designed on an individual basis and in a custom manner by the architect, regardless of the size of the installation. This has, consequently, required individual engineering and fabrication by the equipment manufacturer, and in accordance with this method, the variation of the size of an individual cell by a fraction of an inch has necessitated the entire reengineering, redrafting and resubmission for custom fabrication.

Furthermore, such a procedure has required costly hours of engineering duplication in the fabrication department, where new engineering drawings must be constantly developed and wherein a particular section of material is seldom duplicated from one project to the next. It is an object of this invention to produce a minimum of component elements or modules which may be standardized and premanufactured, with the detention facility being designed particularly for the employment of such standardized components. Reduced to its simplest terms, the system would require partitions, both of plate and grating, cell front sections for sliding doors, preperforated sections for the introduction of plumbing and lighting or heating equipment, plus specialized sections for sound or monitoring systems as might be desired.

The invention contemplates the architectural preparation of an entire detention building comprised of such standardized components or multiples thereof so that facilities may be duplicated in a wide variety of sizes and arrangements but employing the same standardized components.

It is an object, therefore, of this invention to overcome all of the foregoing difficulties, and others, all as will be more fully pointed out hereinafter.

3,46%,307 Patented Aug. 12, 1969 A more specific object of the invention resides in the provision of an improved means for interconnecting the components or modules, together with an improved method of applying and locking such connections so as to render their disassembly by unauthorized individuals virtually impossible.

Still other objects of the invention reside in the steps of the method, the details of construction, the arrangement of parts, and the combinations of elements, all as will be more fully pointed out hereinafter and disclosed in the accompanying drawings, wherein there are schematically illustrated component parts and steps of assembly in accordance with one form of the instant inventive concept.

In the drawings:

FIGS. 1 to 6 illustrate representative elements or modules employed in the construction of detention buildings in accordance with the instant invention, being respectively in:

FIG. 1 a plain partition of standardized size;

FIG, 2 represents a partition of standardized size drilled for plumbing fixtures;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a solid partition having a door opening therein;

FIG. 4 is a standardized grating partition having a door Opening therein showing a door in closed position in the opening.

FIG. 5 is a standardized door of solid material having a lock opening located equidistantly from top and bottom;

FIG. 6 is a similar standardized grating door;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary diagrammatic fioor plan of a detention structure composed of the modules of the instant invention;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective detail view showing a method of connecting parallel aligned partitions;

FIG. 9 is a similar view showing a means for connecting aligned partitions and a transverse partition;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view showing a pair of partitions connected in accordance with FIG. 8; 1

FIG. 11 is a similar view showing a pair of partitions and a right-angularly disposed partition connected in accordance with the showing of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12A is a side view, partially in section and partially in elevation, showing an initial method of assembly in the connection of adjacent panels;

FIG. 12B discloses a further step in the assembly;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one of the connecting studs, and;

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIGS. 10 and 11 disclosing a means for connecting two partitions in right angled relation.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Construction of the detention building in accordance with the instant invention requires the prefabrication of a plurality of interchangeable standardized components. FIG. 1 discloses one such standardized component in the form of a solid partition or panel 20 which is provided about its sides and, if desired, its top, with a plurality of identical equidistantly spaced equal sized bores or openings 21. The partition or panel 20 is made in a standard size, preferably the conventional height of a prison structure, eight feet two inches, and in a readily divisible standard size, in the illustrative invention six feet. In the modular system of construction of the instant invention the unit of measurement is perferably three feet, and the partitions or panels may be made in half sizes or less or more in accordance with the particular requirements, although a standard size six feet in length and a half size of three feet in length have been found to be adequate for the large majority of installations. In FIG. 2 there is shown an identical partition 20a provided with similar identically spaced openings 21a, and additionally provided with pre-spaced openings 22 for the introduction of piping for plumbing fixtures interiorly of the cell. Obviously the openings 22 may be performed at any desired location for any desired particular installation,

In FIG. 3 a front wall structure 23 is disclosed provided with openings or bores 24 which are identically spaced and sized with those of the preceding forms, but which is additionally provided with a door opening 25.

FIG. 4 shows a similar construction in an identical size but formed of bars as indicated at 26, openings 27 being provided in the side portions thereof identically spaced and sized with the openings 21 and 24. Since all of the panels are of identical size in the above described forms, they may be readily interchangeable or employed in any desired combinations.

FIGS. and 6 show standard doors, in FIG. 5 there being shown a solid door 28 having a central rectangular opening 29 therein for the interposition of a lock structure, either directly or remotely controlled, while FIG. 8 shows a grill door 30 having a similar opening 31. By virtue of the central position of the openings 29 and 31, the doors may be used interchangeably to open to the right or left as desired, with either end thereof at the top.

The doors are also of standard size, preferably approximately two feet, six inches, so that any door panel 23, either solid or grilled may take either a solid or grilled door as desired.

In designing the detention structures in accordance with the instant method, the architectural plan may be laid out on a modular grid having components of three feet each. A fragmentary installation is indicated in FIG. 7. In this installation, for example, there is shown a cell 35 which is comprised of two partitions 20 of solid configuration and two half partitions 36 making the overall length of the cell nine feet. A partition 20a and a half partition 36 form the rear of the cell, the partition 20a with its openings 22 permitting the installation of toilet facilities 37. The front of the cell may consist of a panel 23 provided with a door 28, and an additional half panel 36. The panels are interconnected in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter. The space 40 adjacent cell 35 may be a shower room, and the shower itself may be comprised of one half panel 36 forming a rear wall, with additional half panels 36 forming the side walls. A special panel 41 may comprise the front wall, this panel being of the same dimensions as the half panels, but having an opening 42 therein to permit access to the shower, the drain of which is indicated at 43. Additional cells 35a and 35b may be constructed on opposite sides of cell 35 and shower enclosure 40 respectively, or other rooms dimensioned in multiples of three feet may be similarly laid out. In the event that an odd-shaped panel or an odd-sized panel is required to complete an installation, a single panel of the specific desired dimension may be readily manufactured, but such panels, according to the method of the instant invention, comprise the only custom-made structural units or modules necessary. A great variety of standardized panels may be manufactured and retained in stock, and interchangeably supplied in the requisite numbers for assembly at the site of the detention structure.

Any desired method may be employed in securing the panels in assembled relation, but in the preferred embodiment of the invention the securing means for holding the several components in related assembly take the form of rectangular tubes 50 and 51, the rectangular tubes 50 adapted for connecting a pair of partitions or plates in end-to-end relation being provided with aligned pairs of spaced keyhole slots, 53, the spacing of the slots being identical to that of the openings or bores 21, 21a, 24 and 27. Corner fastening tubes 51 are also provided and are provided with keyhole slots 54 on two right angularly disposed faces thereof, as best shown in FIG. 14. The additional fastening component comprises a plurality of studs 60 as shown in FIG. 13, each of which includes a circular central boss 61 from which extend reduced shanks 62 terminating at each end in enlarged heads 63. The central boss 61 is dimensioned to seat in any of the openings 21, 24 or 27, while the heads 63 are dimensioned to pass through the large portions of the keyhole slot 53 or 54. The shanks 62 are dimensioned to pa through the reduced portions of the keyhole slots, but the heads 63 are larger than these reduced portions.

Integral with or secured to the bottoms of rectangular hollow members 50 and 51 are plates 56 and 57 respectively which are provided with projecting flanges 58 and 59 respectively on the sides opposite the pairs of keyhole slots, or one set of keyhole slots in the members 51. When it is desired to assemble two partitions, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 for example, the partitions are aligned edge-toedge in abutting relation and studs 60 are inserted in adjacent openings 21. Opposite members 50 are then positioned over the studs, with the heads 63 extending through the enlarged portions of the keyhole slots, the larger portions, it being noted, being positioned at the top of the slots.

After the initial assembly has been completed and aligned, wedges 65 are driven between the flanges 58 and the structural floor, until the entire unit 50 is raised so that the stems 62 extend through the reduced portions of the slots 53, securely locking the partitions 20 in related assembly, the arrangement being that shown in FIG. 12B. A cement topping or other finish flooring 66 is then laid over the flanges 58 and their associated wedges 6S firmly securing the members 50 in raised position and securely locking the studs 60 in each of the adjacent partitions 20 as well as each of the adjacent keyhole slots 53 in the members 50. Thus a secure and substantially tamperproof assembly is provided, which can be disassembled only by tearing up the floor, removing the Wedges, and lowering the members 59 to disengage the associated studs.

When it is desired to connect two partitions 20 in right angled relation to a third partition 20a for example, one of members 50 is employed in conjunction with two of members 51 positioned on opposite sides of partition 200 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11 for example. The method of assembly is identical to that of the previously described modification including the use of wedges under the associated plates, and the raising of the members, and the subsequent covering of the wedges and their associated flanges with a cement or other suitable flooring.

FIG. 14 discloses a method of connecting two partitions 20 at right angles, employing at least one of the tubular members 51 and associated studs 60. When this method is employed it will be understood that the exposed heads 63 of the studs will be positioned in a locality inaccessible to the prisoner, and suitably covered and locked in any desired manner. For example an additional tube or tubes 51 may be utilized as shown on the outer side of one plate 20 to the left in FIG. 14, or, alternatively, one or more flat plates or channel irons 67 may be employed as shown at the top of FIG. 14. Such plates may be used wherever access to one side of a partition is restricted, and are locked by the use of base flanges and wedges similar to the previously described flanges 56 and wedges 65. Suitable permanent flooring protects these latter wedges against removal.

As shown in FIG. 7, the use of the tubular members 50 and 51 may be employed in connecting the front panels 23 and 36 to the cells as previously assembled. However, it is frequently desirable in these instances that these forward partitions be secured by welding, in order to accommodate any minor discrepancies in alignment or spacings of the openings such as might be occasioned by warping of the plates.

Obviously any desired floor plan, arrangement of modules or components, suitable interconnection in angular relation or in aligned relation as desired may be provided.

By virtue of the method of the instant invention duplication of engineering drawings and construction drawings may be avoided, the necessity for custom designing each individual penal installation is obviated, and a relatively Wide range of sizes and designs may be readily fabricated from a comparative minimum of components or modules.

The cost of building penal institutions or the like, as Well as the time and labor required therefor, can be reduced to an absolute minimum, with a resultant material saving in all areas.

From the foregoing it will now be seen that there is herein provided an improved method of and material for the construction of detention buildings such as jails, cell blocks and penal or confinement institutions of all sorts which accomplishes all of the objects of this invention, and others, including many advantages of great practical utility and commercial importance.

As many embodiments may be made of this inventive concept, and as many modifications may be made in the embodiments hereinbefore shown and described, it is to be understood that all matter herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. A method of constructing detention facilities which comprises the steps of manufacturing a multiplicity of individual modules of varying characteristics, but of identical size or multiples thereof, forming a series of identically spaced openings about the perimeter of each module, providing a plurality of identical connector elements, placing connector elements in selected openings of juxtaposed modules, and locking said connector elements irremovably in position, the step of locking said connector elements comprising the steps of formulating hollow connecting tubes, providing the tubes with keyhole slots spaced in accordance with the openings in the modules, the connector elements being formed with opposite reduced shanks and enlarged heads, inserting the enlarged heads through the lar e portion of the keyhole slots, lifting the connecting tubes to engage the shanks in the reduced portions of the keyhole slots and locking the connecting tubes against vertical movement in raised position.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the tubes are raised by means of the step of driving wedges beneath their lower extremities, and the wedges are locked by applying a permanent flooring over the lower extremities of the tubes and the associated wedges.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,362,069 12/1920 Witzel 52-745 1,855,756 4/1932 Garber et a1 52-106 2,400,162 5/ 1946 Mulligan 108-64 2,639,043 5/1953 Dunham 108-64 2,708,292 5/1955 Budai 108-64 2,877,875 3/1959 Bolt 52-122 2,945,568 7/1960 Chasteney 52-122 2,970,677 2/1961 Springs 52-127 3,189,140 6/1965 Luss 52-122 3,256,666 6/1966 Farmer 52-489 FRANCIS K. ZUGEL, Primary Examiner US. Cl, X.R. 52-106 

